Building Work IQ Agents for Microsoft 365

What does a Work IQ agent need?

A useful integration needs a defined task, an authenticated user, appropriate workplace information, and a way to evaluate the result. Microsoft's Work IQ API provides several interaction options, including REST, MCP, and A2A. In plain language, these offer different ways for applications and agents to request context or delegate work.

Choose the simplest integration that fits

A web application may need a direct programmatic request, while an assistant may need tool access. Start with the experience your users need and the skills your team can support. Avoid combining several protocols merely because they are available. Record why the chosen route fits the workflow and how it will be maintained.

Design around the user's identity

Microsoft documents delegated authentication for Work IQ API requests: work runs in the signed-in user's context, and application-only authentication is not supported. This matters when designing background processes. Verify the current identity flow and tenant requirements before assuming an agent can operate independently of a user.

Keep the first scenario bounded

For example, prepare an internal project summary from information the user can already access. Show useful source context and ask the person to review the result before sharing it. Test missing documents, conflicting updates, and users with different permissions. Define how the agent responds when it cannot retrieve enough evidence.

Operate the integration as a service

Measure task completion, errors, response time, and usage cost. Assign owners for access changes, support, and evaluation updates. Review logging so it helps diagnose problems without collecting unnecessary sensitive content. When adding actions, check their permission requirements separately from retrieval and include approval for consequential changes.

Frequently asked questions

Can a service assume unrestricted company access? No. Design around the documented authentication and permission model. Is a successful API call proof of a good answer? No. Evaluate the final business output. Should every agent use Work IQ? Only where workplace context adds value to its assigned task.

Published September 18, 2026. Microsoft Work IQ API overview. Related: Microsoft Work IQ: A Guide for Enterprise Leaders.